Records

NEW RELEASES

Keith Jarrett / Gary Peacock / Jack DeJohnette: Bye Bye Blackbird (ECM 1647, CD/tape); Benny Golson: I Remember Miles (Alfa Jazz ALCR-277, CD only). Unforgettable in concert, the Jarrett trio's salute to Miles Davis is not quite as outstanding on disc - perhaps because the recording preceded the tour. But it's still pretty wonderful, and their version of 'You Won't Forget Me' joins the list of classic ballad performances by this exemplary group. Golson, whose reputation as a saxophonist and composer was made 30 years ago with the Jazz Messengers, assembles a first-class sextet, featuring the trumpeter Eddie Henderson and the trombonist Curtis Fuller, for a mellow mainstream-modern set, released in Japan but available as an import. Highlight: a fine version of 'Autumn Leaves', based on Davis's prowling arrangement for Cannonball Adderley's classic Somethin' Else. Richard Williams

Nu Colours: Unlimited (Polydor, LP/CD/tape). Britain's answer to the US close harmony invasion, Nu Colours' spelling is worse than Prince's, but their sound is a happy meeting of modern soul sheen and classic gospel intensity. A quintet - three men and two women - founded by London session singer Lawrence Johnson, their voices gel into a distinctive single shape without losing their capacity for individual expression. The backing is slick but urgent, and the singing is fierce. Highlights are a surging gallop through house pioneer Frankie Knuckles' 'Tears', and the vibrant, Isley-esque 'What in the World'. These colours won't run. Ben Thompson

THE IoS PLAYLIST

Dvorak Symphonies 7 & 8: Oslo Phil, Mariss Jansons (EMI, CD only). The freshest, most intense of recent versions. Michael White

Grieg Songs: Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg (DG, CD only). Perfect introduction to a slice of repertory that hardly anyone in Britain sings or even knows. MW

Donald Fagen: Kamakiriad (Reprise, LP/tape/CD). Smooth grooves, nifty playing, varied textures, subtle arrangements: almost as good as the sacred first side of Aja. RW

Jamiroquai: Emergency on Planet Earth (Sony Soho Sq, LP/CD/tape). Triumphant Brit-funk debut from the sprite in the bearskin. BT

Gabrielle: Dreams (Go Beat, No 1 single). The spirit of Tracy Chapman walks tall, and this summer's essential fashion accessory is the eyepatch. BT